Introduction

Footsteps @ Cobham House is a service offering 24 hour supported living for young adults aged 18-30 with learning disabilities/mental disorder and challenging/anti-social behaviour, and was founded in 2001. We are located in Westcliff-on-Sea, close to the seafront and provide spacious supported accommodation for up to 6 adults.

The service was developed from an identified need for supported accommodation for young adults leaving care or foster services. The transition from residential care or foster care can prove to be a complex one; in line with 'best fit', Footsteps @ Cobham House provides for young adults who may not be able to live independently, but who may benefit from a 24hour supported living programme for young adults working towards independence. Our service can be seen to fill the 'gap' between residential and domiciliary care.

The proprietors were prompted to establish Footsteps from their involvement in three residential homes for children with learning disabilities with challenging behaviour. Often young people when moving on from residential care did not 'fit' the completely independent model, Local Authorities were very keen to consider other options if they were available and particularly within the local area. As an organisation we feel we have developed an excellent facility run to a high standard, but to a more flexible non-institutional model.

The Home has excellent facilities for young adults in terms of space and local facilities. It has ample living accommodation, including 6 bedrooms, staff rooms, office, large kitchen/dining room, recreation room, living room and garden. The exciting part of Footsteps @ Cobham House is that tenants at the unit can live as independently as they are able but with access 24hour support should they need it. The unit can also develop need based programmes of support for clients working towards goal orientated development.